Thomas Sorenson - 7 - Had very little to do hot stopping wise. Was caught out a few times on set pieces when he came to claim but didn't collect the ball
Andy Wilkinson - 8 - Real lionhearts performance. After being recalled to the starting line up he suffered a massive head wound but refused to come off, being patched up and soldiered on for the whole game. Put in a great performance both supporting his winger and keeping the opposition wideman quiet. Got himself in the box on a few occasions late on as he searches for that first Stoke goal
Danny Higginbotham - 9 - Great volleyed finish for the first goal, and couple have had at least a hat trick. Supported Etherington well and was solid at the back as his rich vein of form since his return to the side continued
Ryan Shawcross - 8 - Booked early on for a clash with Samba, the Blackburn man receiving his first yellow card at the same time, but was otherwise at the top of his game as he and Huth eased through the game
Robert Huth - 8 - Solid as ever in his defensive duties whilst having the awareness to move out of the way of Higginbotham's opener. Won everything in the air and distributed the ball well
Liam Lawrence - 8 - Best performance for a long time as he put recent poor performances and lengthy spells out of the side to one side. Linked up well with Fuller, helped out his full back and set up the first goal
Matthew Etherington - 9(Man of the Match) - Outstanding! Simply outstanding! Cross after cross, dribble after dribble, corner after corner, he was immense in everything he did and to put in a performance like that on Sir Stanley Matthews Day was very fitting. Got an assist for Sidibe's goal and also four of his corners were headed goalwards only to be cleared off the line. His goal was fantastic and if it had been scored by a Giggs or Rooney it would have been talked about as world class
Rory Delap - 8 - Played in the centre and although he didn't produce a performance at the standards of his partner Whitehead it was still more than enough to see the Potters to a comfortable victory. Throw ins were as good as ever and he got stuck in and ruffled a few feathers
Dean Whitehead - 9 - Another top level display from the box to box midfielder. His change in mentality, he now looks to go forward, has been the main reason behind the Potters upturn in fortunes. Closed down well and used the ball well when he had it
Mama Sidibe - 9 - Good, brave finish for the goal and won most, if not all, on the air. Works best with Fuller and the Jamaican brings the best of Sidibe. Great performance for his 150th Stoke start
Ricardo Fuller - 9 - Recalled to the first XI and had a great game. Ran the line well, combined well with Lawrence, and trickery got Samba sent off. Good display on return and although he didn't score he proved his worth again
Tuncay - 8 - Allowed the rare freedom of coming on fresh with the game won and was busy as he went about his business asking for the ball and spreading the play. One fantastic pass through ball to Beattie deserved better
James Beattie - 7 - Put himself about in a rare outing. Was caught flat footed with one exquisite Tuncay through ball but effort was there
Glenn Whelan - 7 - Came on late on but still had time to go close with one free kick that needed a deflection and kept the ball moving as the final minutes ticked away